Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-09-06

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] EU Commission approves regional support plan for Greece

[02] PM Karamanlis meets with S. Korean president Roh

[03] Thailand deputy premier, UN sec. gen. candidate, meets with premier Karamanlis, FM Bakoyannis

[04] Greece and Thailand sign tourism cooperation memorandum

[05] Gov't fields questions over stepped up efforts to build pipeline

[06] Ambassador Vassilakis presents UN Security Council's program for September

[07] UN Security Council ratifies Greek Presidency program

[08] Swedish PM Persson receives Papandreou

[09] Gov't cites 22% increase in first-half 2006 exports

[10] Greece, Austria seek to improve SE European energy

[11] Thessaloniki underwater tunnel project to be signed September 29

[12] Direct Beijing-Athens air link envisioned

[13] Reform of special farm status for Aegean islands

[14] Greek annual inflation at 3.5 pct in August

[15] Competition watchdog cites 'poor' conditions in domestic markets

[16] OPAP to improve betting agencies

[17] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

[18] Parthenon fragment returns home

[19] Acropolis amongst 21 candidates for 'Wonder of the World' site

[20] Papoulias receives students of month-long course in Greek language, culture

[21] Italian Institute of Athens returns to its original historic building

[22] 29th Documentary Film Festival taking place in Drama September 17-23

[23] Number of Albanian illegal immigrants attempting to reach Greece has increased

[24] Danish PM expects full implementation of Ankara protocol by Turkey

[25] MEPs: Turkey must recognize Cyprus and open its borders to Cypriot vessels

[26] Dutch Foreign Minister to visit Cyprus

[01] EU Commission approves regional support plan for Greece

ATHENS, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister said the European Commission approved a new charter of regional support for the period 2007-2013, the first country to have the Commission's approval. Alogoskoufis said financial support to investment projects reached 60 percent, with support for larger enterprises at 40 percent, medium-sized enterprises 50 percent and smaller enterprises (97 pct of total Greek enterprises) at 60 percent. The Greek minister said the Com-mission approved new higher financial subsidies on investments after tough negotiations that lasted almost two years. The upper limit of regional investment subsidies was set at 40 percent for the regions of eastern Macedonia-Thrace, Epirus and Western Greece, at 30 percent for Thessaly, Ionian Islands and Crete and 40 percent for the Peloponnese and Northern Aegean (to be reduced to 30 percent from January 1, 2011).

Financial subsidies for investments in central and western Macedonia and Attica were set at 30 percent (to be reduced to 20 percent from January 1, 2011) and for the south Aegean region 30 percent and 15 percent, over the same periods, respectively.

Alogoskoufis said a total of 1,456 investment projects have been submitted so far, budgeted at 2.3 billion euros, and that ministry agencies have approved 682 projects.

A draft plan of a new development law is expected to be completed by October 15 and to be tabled to parliament as soon as possible to be valid from January 1, 2007.

[02] PM Karamanlis meets with S. Korean president Roh

ATHENS, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Karamanlis described the relations between the two countries as excellent, noting that the discussion had focused particularly on issues of shipping, investments, tourism, air transports and commerce.

The premier noted that Greece was the biggest investor in the S. Korean shipyards and, in that context, invited similar investments from Korea in Greece, stressing "we have opportunities for joint action in the region".

Karamanlis was due to host a luncheon in honor of Roh, during which bilateral issues would be further discussed, as well as the situation in the Balkans, the Cyprus issue, and matters of international interest.

President Roh expressed appreciation for his warm welcome, adding that his first meeting with Karamanlis had taken place 16 years ago, in 1990, adding that Tuesday's meeting constituted a landmark in the important cooperation between the two countries, which exists since the Korean War.

Roh said that he and Karamanlis had an in-depth discussion on advancing cooperation in the shipping sector, maritime transports, air transports, industry, culture and tourism, but also in the academic sector.

He said the two sides shared the view that cooperation in the sector of shipyards and seaborne transports would be beneficial for both countries.

Roh further said that Korean could transfer know-how in the sector of informatics, and on matters concerning ports, transports and equipment.

The S. Korean president stressed that Greek experience in the maritime sector and also tourism, due to the Aegean islands, would be utilized, adding that it had also been agreed that Greece will advise S. Korea on such matters.

Roh said that the situation in SE Asia and SE Europe would be examined during the luncheon, while the issue of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons would also be discussed.

Cooperation memo by Greek, Korean firms: Small and medium-sized companies from Greece and South Korea on Tuesday signed a memorandum of cooperation in a move to close business ties between the two countries.

Through the pact, the two sides hope to create and evolve infrastructure to promote cooperation in industry.

Signing the pact in Athens were the Athens Chamber of Light Industry and Korea's Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (SBC).

SBC implements the government's policy for the sector, also providing financing, education and advisory services.

South Korean president meets Greek ship-owners: Visiting South Korean President Roh Moo-Hyun met on Tuesday evening with Nikos Efthymiou, president of the Union of Greek Ship-owners. Talks focused on cooperation between the two countries in the maritime sector.

[03] Thailand deputy premier, UN sec. gen. candidate, meets with premier Karamanlis, FM Bakoyannis

ATHENS, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis also met with Surakiat, shortly before an Inner Cabinet meeting.

In statements after their talks, Bakoyannis noted the good relations between the two countries at both political and economic level, despite the large geographical distance between them, adding that the two sides had agreed that more steps could be taken to strengthen the bilateral cooperation.

Bakoyannis reiterated its position concerning the Thai deputy prime minister's candidacy, noting that Greece was in favor of an Asian candidacy, adding that a detailed discussion would be made at the next UN General Assembly on both the changes to the UN's operation and the candidacies for the post of Secretary General, voting on which was slated for the end of the year.

Surakiat, who is on his third visit to Greece, said he had agreed with both Karamanlis and Bakoyannis that cooperation needed to be strengthened so that the two countries would serve as a hub for each other. Thailand, he added, could become a hub for Greece through the creation of a consortium of 10 Asian countries, in other that Greece could penetrate other markets as well.

Thailand, he explained, had similar bilateral agreements with several countries, including China and New Zealand. Surakiat noted that he was accompanied on his visit by a representative of the Thai business community, aimed at Greece becoming a hub for Thailand.

Surakiat further said that a tourism cooperation agreement would be signed later in the day (with tourism development minister Fani Palli-Petralia) which would boost the existing agreement in the sector of culture.

On his UN candidacy, Surakiat stressed that there were many areas for close cooperation with Greece in foreign policy, given that Greece plays an important role in external affairs.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, he said that the UN, in cooperation with Greece, could play a role in resolution of the long-standing problem.

Surakiat noted that his candidacy is backed by 10 countries in SE Asia.

[04] Greece and Thailand sign tourism cooperation memorandum

ATHENS, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In the context of the memorandum, the two countries agreed to facilitate the flow of tourists between their countries, to mutually strengthen the projection of tourism through an exchange of information and advertisements, to promote special forms of tourism and strengthen the investments of Greek and Thai entrepreneurs to their corresponding tourism sectors.

After the signing of the memorandum, the Greek tourism minister said "it is a very significant and optimistic step for the development of relations between the two countries."

On his part, Surakiart Sathirathai said:” We wait in anticipation to cooperate with Greece in various sectors and one country can learn from the other. We can cooperate on a cultural, economic and commercial level."

[05] Gov't fields questions over stepped up efforts to build pipeline

ATHENS, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In response to extensive press coverage here of the Karamanlis-Putin-Purvanov meeting, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos clarified that the exact level of each side’s participation in the oil pipeline project remains to be decided, something expected to be cleared up at yet another meeting, in Athens, of relevant energy ministers of the three countries and representatives of interested companies within the year.

On his part, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, who holds the energy portfolio, said Monday’s joint commitment by the three leaders to sign a final inter-state agreement within the year upgrades Athens’ international position.

"In March 2004 we (the government) found the plan in a state of complete inertia, while since the summer of 2004 all three governments have worked closely to promote the plan," he added, referring particularly to the development boost expected to be reaped by the Thrace province.

The 285-kilometre pipeline is expected to connect the Bulgarian port of Burgas, on the western shores of the Black Sea, with the Greek port of Alexandroupolis, in the northeastern Aegean.

[06] Ambassador Vassilakis presents UN Security Council's program for September

NEW YORK, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Vassilakis referred to the issues which will concern the members of the Security Council.

Matters relating the Middle East and Africa will dominate in the Security Council's work program for the month of September.

Also planned are discussions on Afghanistan and Kosovo, while at the same time, the members of the Security Council are expected to also discuss during this month Iran's nuclear program.

Most of the topics are linked with the re-examination of the mission of the peacekeeping forces, both in the region of the Middle East as well as of Africa.

Finally, Ambassador Vassilakis referred to the talks which are being organized by Greece, as presiding country of the UN Security Council. The debate will take place on September 20, on a foreign ministers level, on the topic "Cooperation of the United Nations with regional organizations for the maintenance of international peace and security."

Replying to a question on the Cyprus issue, the permanent representative of Greece at the UN said that the issue is not expected to be discussed during September "unless there are dramatic developments."

Present during the press conference were also deputy permanent representative of Greece at the UN, Alexandra Papadopoulou, and the director of the Greek Press Office in New York, Theodosis Dimitrakopoulos.

[07] UN Security Council ratifies Greek Presidency program

NEW YORK, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The main issues to preoccupy the Security Council during the Greek Presidency will be the situation in Lebanon, the assassination of the country's former prime minister Hariri, based on the report by the Independent International Fact-finding Committee, the Middle East question, the future of Kosovo and the crisis in Sudan, on the occasion of the invitation extended by the Security Council to the government of Sudan, the Arab Federation and the African Union on an exchange of views regarding the issue of Darfur.

Apart from the issues on the agenda, current issues such as Iran's nuclear program are expected to be brought to the attention of the Security Council's members.

[08] Swedish PM Persson receives Papandreou

STOCKHOLM, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

In a brief statement after the meeting, Papandreou said the environment and energy policy was a particular concern of the SI group, "we want viable development, friendly towards the environment and alternative forms of energy ... This is the only way out of the major energy crisis that Europe and the entire world face today."

He also praised the incumbent Swedish PM's initiative in promoting alternative forms of energy on a massive scale, before expressing his best wishes to Persson for his re-election.

[09] Gov't cites 22% increase in first-half 2006 exports

ATHENS, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Alogoskoufis briefed the Inner Cabinet on the course of exports and, speaking to reporters after the meeting, referred to a "satisfactory performance", adding that exports had a positive contribution to the national economy.

In 2005, exports increased by more than 13 percent, while in the first half of 2006 the rate of growth exceeded 22 percent, he said.

Alogoskoufis said Greek products were exported to all countries, but added that 17 countries and major markets were being particularly targeted with modern policies and advertising techniques.

On the role of the Hellenic Exports Promotion Organization (HEPO) and the Exports Council, the minister stressed that in today's era, "where commerce played a significant role in the global economy, exports was an important sector."

He also stressed that the country must become extroverted, adding that efforts to that end would be intensified.

Replying to a question regarding public sector corruption, Alogoskoufis said specific procedures have been instituted and, in cooperation with the interior and public administration ministry, a provision was recently advanced for stricter inspections of source of wealth statements of the ministry department directors.

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos later echoed the FinMin's statements during a regular press briefing.

Roussopoulos one of the factors contributing to the rise in exports was a robust promotions campaign in various overseas markets and international trade exhibitions.

Opposition parties criticize: Main opposition PASOK party economy sector chief Vasso Papandreou on Tuesday criticized statements made by Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis, saying that "he is the only satisfied Greek".

"Mr. Alogoskoufis is the only satisfied Greek. According to data that he publicized himself, over a period of 18 months 1,456 investment plans amounting to 2.3 billion euros have been approved and only 70 million euros have been disbursed. The investments, in other words, are only on paper," she said.

"At the same time, the Public Investments Program is being drastically reduced and huge funds from the 3rd Community Support Framework are in danger of being lost. Also due to the lack of understanding between the jointly responsible ministers the implementation plan for the 4th Community Support Framework, which must begin to 'run' as of January 2007, remains 'up in the air'," Papandreou added.

In another development on the occasion of the National Statistical Service's announcement on the inflation rate in August, PASOK's Development, Competitiveness and Consumer Policy Sector chief Theodoros Pangalos and the party's Development Sector coordinator Christos Protopapas pointed out that the relevant announcement "not only highlights the major issue of the high cost of living, but also overturns the government's claim that 'the international price of oil is to blame for everything'."

The Political Bureau member responsible for the economic and social policy of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology, Panayiotis Lafazanis, said on the occasion of Alogoskoufis's address to the inner cabinet on exports that "Mr. Alogoskoufis might appear to be enthusiastic over the increase in exports in 2005 and the first six months in 2006, but he is concealing the fact that, despite this increase, the trade deficit and the deficit in the balance of payments have soared to new heights during the first six months of the current year."

Also referring to the inflation rate for August, Lafazanis said that "it is a social tragedy at a time when, according to official data, the profits of listed companies are increasing by 50 percent during the first six months and the increase in GDP is running at a rate of 4.1 percent, the salary-earners and pensioners are surviving with increases below inflation that are crumbs."

[10] Greece, Austria seek to improve SE European energy

VIENNA, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

"Smooth functioning of the Energy Community is a joint aim of the two countries," Sioufas told reporters after a meeting with the Austrian minister of finance, labor and energy, Martin Bartenstein.

The two officials examined improvement of two Athens-based organizations, the Council of Energy Regulators and Electricity Forum.

"Greece and Austria will continue to take the lead in energy matters of southeast Europe, which, in coming years, will see investment of tens of millions of euros only in the electrical network and electrical output along with natural gas transmission," Sioufas noted

The Energy Community's secretariat is headquartered in Vienna.

[11] Thessaloniki underwater tunnel project to be signed September 29

6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The project budgeted at 472 million euros and 6.5 kilometers in length is already at the stage of the checking of the fiscal obligations of the candidate constructor and is expected to be completed in four years from the beginning of its construction, linking the streets of Koletti, at the western entrance of the city, and Syndika in the east.

Souflias also said that procedures required for the construction of the Thessaloniki Metro are proceeding at a rapid rate, as four worksites have been created since last April, while in the case of Athens 17 months had been necessary for the first one.

PASOK criticizes environment minister's statements in Thessaloniki: The branch in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) on Tuesday evening commented on statements made in the city earlier in the day by Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias, accusing him of "a cunning communication act."

The PASOK announcement noted that "Mr. Souflias fenced in certain parts of the city's centre with placards" of the ministry on the planned construction of the Thessaloniki Metro.

The main opposition party said that Souflias did so, in light of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair which begins on September 8 and in view of the local government elections on October 15.

[12] Direct Beijing-Athens air link envisioned

6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The agreements were signed in Beijing by visiting Greek Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis and the director of the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC), Yang Yuanyuan, in the presence of Air China President Li Jiaxiang.

Technical, financial and institutional details of the agreement will be determined by a special work group due to meet in Athens this month.

The two countries also signed an agreement to promote Euro-Asian connections, the basis of developing a transport network linking Pan-European corridors with Asia’s road and railway networks

Both sides also discussed ways to jointly develop infrastructure projects in the transport sector in Greece, as China’s transport minister will visit Athens this month to discuss details of the agreement.

Liapis also met with high-ranking Beijing 2008 Olympic Games organizing committee members.

[13] Reform of special farm status for Aegean islands

STRASBOURG, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The move was voted by 555 in favor, 25 against and 19 abstentions.

The status entailing special measures for specified farm products was introduced in 1993 to boost agriculture and supply the islands with the products.

The measures were reported as efficient but management was poor, leading to a proposal by the farm committee for reform.

Exempted from the measure are Crete and Evia, both classed as large islands.

[14] Greek annual inflation at 3.5 pct in August

ATHENS, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The consumer's price index fell 0.7 percent in August from July, after a decline of 0.4 pct in the corresponding period last year.

The statistics service attributed the 3.5 pct growth rate in the annual inflation in August to a 7.6 pct increase in housing prices, a 4.7 pct rise in food and beverage prices, a 4.2 pct increase in alcohol and tobacco, a 3.9 pct rise in education prices and a 3.4 pct increase in transportation prices.

NSS said Greece's harmonized inflation rate slowed to 3.4 pct in August 2006 from 3.6 pct in the same month last year. The harmonized rate fell 1.0 pct in August from July, after a decline of 0.6 pct in the corresponding period in 2005.

Speaking to reporters, NSS's secretary-general Manolis Kontopyrakis said the inflation rate would average at 3.4 pct this year from 3.5 pct in 2005 and predicted a fall to 3.3 pct if international oil prices continued falling in the remaining of the year. The harmonized consumer's price index rose an average 3.36 pct in the first eight months of 2006, down from 3.44 pct last year.

[15] Competition watchdog cites 'poor' conditions in domestic markets

ATHENS, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

Speaking to reporters, Spyros Zisimopoulos said a total of 354 competition cases were currently pending, while Competition authorities have completed recommendations for 36, another 70 were currently under investigation and 250 were filed.

Zisimopoulos attributed delays in the agency's work to a lack of the necessary staff and urged for the immediate hiring of another 100 employees.

The Competition Commission was currently investigating the domestic dairy and oil products markets and plans to begin an investigation in the securities firms market soon.

Commenting on competition conditions in the public sector, he said the agency has the right to investigate state actions, while he noted that the Commission would re-open the files of cases, such as dentists, that failed to comply with the agency's decisions.

Zisimopoulos said investigations were currently pending in the sectors of detergents, frozen food and cosmetics, while it expected to begin investigating the sectors of flour and beer soon.

[16] OPAP to improve betting agencies

ATHENS, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The firm's 5,500 outlets throughout Greece will see improvements in 2007 including a standardized corporate design and logo coupled with facilities to aid recreation on the premises, Deputy Culture Minister George Orfanos told a news conference.

"This is a major opportunity for OPAP, which must be seized, so that the name the company has acquired abroad may also acquire an image," said Orfanos, who holds the sports portfolio.

[17] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise

ATHENS, 6/9/2006 (ANA/MPA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.06% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks 0.11% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.487% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 125 to 118 with 63 remaining unchanged.

Stock Futures: